Tibet, XIXth Century, Representation Of Lama Chokyi Gocha, Finely Chiseled Copper Alloy

Origin: Tibet
Period: XIXth century
Material: Copper alloy
Dimensions: 25.5 x 18 cm
Condition: Wear to gilding
Provenance: From a set from a private collection

Finely executed gilt bronze representation of a llama. He is shown seated in vajrasana on a base with lotus petals, the right hand in the position of holding the Earth as a witness (bhumisparsa mudra) and the left hand in avakasha mudra on which the kalasha, symbol of intellectual wealth and longevity. He is represented with his chest uncovered and dressed in a thick monastic mantle placed on the shoulders, the folds of the fabric finely worked and the edges of the mantle enhanced with volutes. The very soft face is characterized by half-closed almond eyes topped by raised eyebrows. An aquiline nose overhangs a small mouth sketching a slight smile and a long, thick beard treated in long locks flaunts the face. A large traditional headdress takes position on the top of the skull. The sealed base of a copper plate incised with a double vajra. Traces of red pigment on the hair, beard and headdress. The style of this lama with a wide headdress and a full beard is akin to the Kagyu tradition popularized by Gampopa Sonam Rinchen, the founder of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.